Peter Maneas is a successful Australian property developer, entrepreneur, and television personality who has captured audiences worldwide with his travel documentary series “My Greek Odyssey.” Born to Greek immigrants from Kythera in the 1960s and raised in Sydney, Australia, Peter’s story is a compelling rags-to-riches tale that embodies the immigrant experience and celebrates the richness of Greek culture, cuisine, and history.
Since 2018, “My Greek Odyssey” has taken viewers on spectacular journeys across Greece’s islands aboard Peter’s superyacht “Mia Zoi” (meaning “One Life” in Greek)—a name that perfectly captures his philosophy of making the most of every moment. With his charismatic personality and genuine passion for Greek heritage, Peter has become a cultural ambassador, bringing the lesser-known treasures of Greece to global audiences.
Peter Maneas Biography
Peter Maneas grew up in Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia, in a modest household with his two siblings. His parents, Irene and George Maneas, were Kytherian Greek immigrants who arrived in Australia during the 1950s with nothing but their suitcases. Like many immigrant families of that era, they faced significant challenges, including being considered “second-class” citizens in Australia’s social hierarchy.
The family’s primary source of income came from “The Spot Cafe” in Nowra and from his parents’ jobs at Grace Brothers Bondi Junction. Peter’s mother worked multiple jobs simultaneously to support her children and give them opportunities to succeed. Despite these challenges, she broke numerous barriers among her Greek immigrant peers—becoming the first Greek woman in their community to learn to drive, own a car, and purchase a colour television.
Peter attended local public schools in Sydney before matriculating to university. To support himself during his studies, he worked part-time at a relative’s restaurant in Bondi Beach, starting as a dishwasher before progressing to waiting tables and eventually cooking.
His professional career began serendipitously when he spotted a notice for a cadetship at a large construction company on his university’s faculty notice board. In what would become characteristic of his determined approach to life, Peter tore down the notice, attended the interview as the only candidate, and secured the position. This opportunity launched his career in construction, where he remained for 17 years, contributing significantly to the company’s tenfold growth during his tenure.
Peter Maneas Career
In 1998, Peter took a significant risk when he and a close friend sold their homes to finance a new business venture. This bold move meant leaving behind his secure senior position at the construction company, but the gamble paid off tremendously. Together, they founded Ganellen, which grew to become Australia’s fifth-largest apartment builder.
Today, Ganellen is a hugely successful enterprise in the design and construction industry, with headquarters at 30 Montague Street, Balmain NSW, Australia. The company is engaged in projects worth over $850 million throughout Australia and New Zealand, and even partners with the Auckland Blues, a New Zealand professional rugby team.
The Birth of “My Greek Odyssey”
Peter’s passion for Greece led to the creation of “My Greek Odyssey,” a television travel series that premiered in 2018. The show follows Peter as he explores the Greek islands, sharing their unique cultures, histories, cuisines, and landscapes with viewers worldwide.
The series has been tremendously successful, securing licensing rights in 40 countries including Greece, Spain, Egypt, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. What began as a personal dream five years earlier has become an internationally acclaimed television series produced by The Rusty Cage, featuring 13 one-hour episodes in its first season alone.
Peter’s natural storytelling ability and comfort in front of the camera make him the perfect host, despite having no formal television experience. His wife Helen, had been filming their travels for years, with Peter providing commentary, which eventually inspired the creation of the show.
Peter Maneas Personal Life
Peter is married to Helen Maneas, and the couple has a son, Irinaios. While his professional achievements are impressive, Peter places significant importance on family life, balancing his business responsibilities with time spent with loved ones and pursuing his passion for exploring Greece.
Despite being born and raised in Australia, Peter maintains a profound connection to his Greek heritage. He first visited Greece at the age of 10, spending six months there—an experience that changed his life. Since then, he has returned countless times, typically spending the June and September school holidays exploring the islands.
Peter has a particular affinity for Kythera, the island of his family’s origin. He has sailed to over 60 Greek islands and harbours the ambitious goal of visiting all 227 inhabited islands across Greece. His passion for Greek culture, history, and cuisine is infectious, making him a natural advocate for Greek tourism and heritage.
Philosophy and Values
Peter’s life philosophy is captured in the name of his superyacht “Mia Zoi” (One Life): “We only live once, so get the most out of your life, no matter what!” This perspective drives his adventurous spirit and his desire to share his experiences with others, whether family, friends, or television viewers.
His mother’s determination and barrier-breaking mentality profoundly influenced Peter’s approach to life. He attributes his ambitious nature and success to her example, particularly her refusal to accept limitations imposed by society and her belief that with hard work, anything is achievable.
“My Greek Odyssey” Adventure
“My Greek Odyssey” is more than just a travel show—it’s Peter’s personal journey through the Greek islands, focused on destinations that rarely receive mainstream media attention. The series explores the rich history, culture, cuisine, and unique characters Peter encounters along the way.
Each episode takes viewers to different islands, showcasing their distinct personalities and attractions. From the Saronic and Ionian Islands to the Northern Aegean and Western Cycladic regions, Peter provides unprecedented access to locations most tourists never see.
Throughout the series, Peter has enjoyed numerous memorable experiences, including:
- Escorting the Presidential Guard as they marched up to the Acropolis to raise the Greek flag, an exclusive privilege rarely granted to outsiders
- Snorkelling over a 2,000-year-old Roman villa near Epidaurus
- Diving on the historic Mentor wreck near Kythera, which was carrying marbles from the Acropolis to the British Museum
- Experiencing the spectacular Miaoulia Festival on Hydra
- Visiting Skorpios Island, once owned by Aristotle Onassis
- Learning about traditional foods, from Monemvasia’s ancient Malvasia wine to Zakynthos’s famous nougat
“My Greek Odyssey” has helped showcase Greece beyond the typical tourist destinations of Mykonos and Santorini. Peter’s approach to storytelling, combining personal anecdotes with historical and cultural information, has resonated with audiences worldwide and contributed to promoting Greek tourism during and after the country’s economic challenges.
Peter Maneas Net Worth
While his exact net worth remains undisclosed, Peter Maneas has built considerable wealth through his successful business ventures. Conservative estimates place his worth at well over $2 million. His ownership of the superyacht “Mia Zoi” and his extensive travels demonstrate his financial success.
However, Peter’s story isn’t just about material wealth—it’s about living life to the fullest and pursuing one’s passions. His journey from humble beginnings to business success and television fame embodies the classic immigrant success story while promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.
Quick Facts About Peter Maneas
- Full Name: Peter Maneas
- Age: 60s (born in the 1960s)
- Nationality: Australian-Greek
- Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
- Parents: Irene and George Maneas
- Spouse: Helen Maneas
- Children: One son
- Occupation: Property developer, entrepreneur, TV personality
- Company: Co-founder and CEO of Ganellen
- TV Show: “My Greek Odyssey” (premiered 2018)
- Yacht: “Mia Zoi” (meaning “One Life”)
- Estimated Net Worth: Over $2 million
- Greek Islands Visited: Over 60 islands (as of 2019)
- Goal: To visit all 227 inhabited Greek islands